Massage Therapy
The benefits of massage therapy have long been recognized by people with
Parkinson’s disease. Because Parkinson’s disease typically causes muscle
stiffness and rigidity, bodywork’s ability to alleviate joint and muscle
stiffness makes it a logical choice. As long as the client has sensation in the
area being worked on, it is safe for bodywork. Communicating with a client
throughout a bodywork session will ensure a positive experience. However, before
working with a Parkinson’s client, bodyworkers must understand the
following:
         Parkinson’s disease is a CNS dysfunction, and will not be completely                
         resolved with bodywork alone.
         Work in cooperation with a client’s primary physician, as massage may impact 
         the need for antidepressants and other medication.

        Since uncontrolled movement is characteristic of this disease, getting on
        and off a massage table may pose safety issues. Bodyworkers must predict this 
        with Parkinson’s clients and either improvise or take extra cautionary measures 
        to ensure the client’s safety.

• Meridian has a barrier free massage room, bathroom, and a hydraulic table

    that can ensure the safety of any physically challenged client with or
    without a  wheel chair!


Research
According to a 2002 study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the
University of Miami, along with staff from the university’s neurology department
and Duke University’s pharmacology department, Parkinson’s disease symptoms are reduced by massage
therapy. In this study, the group of adults with Parkinson’s
disease who received two massages a week for five weeks experienced improved
daily functioning, increased quality of sleep and decreased stress-hormone
levels. The massage consisted of 15 minutes in the prone position, focusing on
the back, buttocks, ribs, thighs, calves and feet; and 15 minutes in the supine
position, focusing on the thighs, lower legs, feet, hands, forearms, upper arms,
neck, face and head. The study’s authors reported, “These findings suggest that
massage therapy enhances functioning in progressive or degenerative central
nervous system disorders or conditions.”


While several different massage modalities have been quantifiably researched
in the context of Parkinsonism, including Trager, Alexander Technique and Swedish
massage, all modalities report improvement in function, from
the reduction of rigidity and improvement of sleep, to the reduction of tremor
and increase of daily activity stamina.


Don’t be afraid of working with clients suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
The pathology of this condition and the success reported with massage therapy
make physical manipulation of the musculoskeletal system an ideal Parkinsonism
management component. Being familiar with this disease and welcoming those
affected can bring an enormous amount of satisfaction to any compassionate
bodyworker.

SHOVELING


We all hate it. It’s cold, it’s tiring, it sucks. We can help make it suck
less! Our Traditional Swedish, and Deep Tissue massages decrease inflammation
and aid in muscle repair.  Getting a massage after shoveling is exactly
what your lower back, quads, shoulders, and forearms are screaming for!


DRY SKIN


Feeling like a piece of vintage furniture? Cracked, dry, “distressed”?
Massage therapy is proven to improve skin hydration during these dry winter
months.  Oils and lotions used in massage contain healthy amounts of
vitamin E and other vitamins.  Massage therapy improves circulation,
allowing your skin to absorb these essential vitamins, leaving you feeling
nourished and hydrated! Not only will you glow on the inside, you will exert
radiance from the outside!


IMMUNE BOOSTER


Cold and Flu season is the WORST!!! Did you know that massage therapy is a
proven immune booster? It is! GOOGLE IT! Massage therapy increases lymph flow
which is packed with white blood cells or “killer cells”. These “killer cells”
fight off infections and bacteria, boosting your immune system
during the SICK SEASON! Just think of it as relaxing Lymphatic NINJA
training.


CIRCULATION


Hands and feet Cold & Clammy? Joints and muscles not moving easily?
That’s because they are COLD yo! Massage therapy increases circulation to
muscles, joints, and organs, warming up the body. Cold weather can bring on many
discomforts, aches, pains and arthritis.  Regular massage enhances blood
flow, naturally lowering blood pressure and improving body function! Your head
might say no, but what does your HEART say???



WINTER BLUES (S.A.D.)


Are you sad and angry that you can’t bike, golf, swim, skateboard, get a
tan??? Yea, us too. Winter months decrease our opportunities to do our favorite
activities, and increase depression. It’s cold, and most of us don’t like it.
 Though, we cannot clinically say that massage therapy is a “cure” for
depression, what we can say, is that getting regular massages enhances warmth
and an overall state of well being. It makes you feel better! Massage therapy
releases serotonin and endorphins, relieving stress and making you feel frick’n
fantastic… about everything.
 
          
 
Call and make an appointment
today (906)236-4096    
 1224 Wright St.
Marquette, MI 49855